LEWISBURG – Some medical students had a memorable day at the end of a long academic journey.
At the 48th commencement ceremony of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, a total of 209 students crossed the stage.
185 of these graduates received a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, or D.O., degree. The remaining 24 graduates earned their Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences. This is the first WVSOM class to receive the master’s degree from the school.
These graduates come from all over the country, including Utah native Jason Mitton.
“[Graduation Day] is always a day you fight for, hoping to make it, but being here feels surreal. So [I’m] just excited and grateful to be here, and grateful to WVSOM for the opportunity,” Mitton said.
Mitton completed rotations at Beckley ARH and Raleigh General Hospital, where he developed a stronger interest in anesthesiology.
The next step for D.O. graduates is residency. Mitton will continue his training at UPMC Lititz, Pennsylvania.
Hira Cheema, another graduate, will continue her training at Methodist Dallas Medical Center.
“It was amazing to be in Lewisburg, West Virginia. Everyone was very welcoming. Everyone was very nice. The community is very welcoming. This was my first time in West Virginia.
I am from Oklahoma, but it felt like home [in West Virginia], and I will miss it. Everyone at the school, including the faculty and the friends I made, was very supportive and helpful,” Cheema stated.
Cheema stated that once she completes her studies at Methodist Dallas Medical Center, she intends to return to Oklahoma to practice medicine.
Dr. Jim Nemitz, President of WVSOM, was overjoyed to attend his school’s 37th commencement ceremony. He left one final message for the graduates.
“We are so very proud of each and every one of you go out there and do good,” according to Dr. Nemitz.
